A gutsy celebration of life’s rough lessons, blending classical, close-harmony and gospel music into a tightly integrated whole. The song’s sweet and soulful conclusion features prominent solos for one or more singers.

The song features one or more soloists, who may sing the music as written or improvise in a gospel style. The colorful accompaniment, with its syncopated rhythms and metric changes, calls for a versatile and solid pianist.

Finally on My Way to Yes changed my own life more than any other single song I’ve ever composed. Pesha Gertler’s short, profound poem – almost a blessing – guided and challenged me into a new musical and emotional language. With ferocity and soulfulness, this song affirms that our lives are something to be cherished, no matter how many missteps and mistakes we have made, even if we have wounded ourselves or others. No one can hear that message often enough.

Everyone I share this poem with sees something different in the “scars” and “coded messages.” Members of the LGBTA choir for whom I composed this song heard their own “coming out” stories in the words. Other performers and listeners have heard the song speaking to their experiences with drug addictions, suicide attempts, self-mutilation, racial identity, and debilitating loss. Clearly, this poem taps into a deep something about what it is to be fully human. If my musical setting enriches Pesha’s healing message in any way, I am grateful for that.

Reviews and Responses:

"Awesomely fresh music… The solo has freedom of improvisation, and comfort is found in [the] soulful harmonies toward the end." - Jan Chamberlin, Music Director, Eliot Chapel (Kirkwood, MO)